I apologize for the past e-mail, I didn't mean to send that draft. Hello, I am a student at Nagel Middle School in Cincinnati, Ohio. In our social studies class we are learning about the problems of ancient Rome. Our goal is to try and fix one of their problems. My assignment was military spending. I was hoping you could assist me by teaching me about modern issues and solutions we face today to help me solve the problems of ancient Rome.
1. Are there certain percents of our taxes that go to specific military issues?
2. What actions is the government taking to help cut back on military costs?
3. Does military spending have a large impact on today's economy?
Any further knowledge you have on the subject that you may think I will find helpful would be great. Thank you so much for your time. I hope to hear back from you soon! Reply:
Research:
https://docs.google.com/a/foresthills.edu/document/d/1wkR0dm4gI0nfVOjX4hBMq_bTVIItLa0Lb06f-v3MckA/edit
Helpful Websites:
http://rome.mrdonn.org/fall.html
http://www.rome.info/history/empire/fall/
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/fall_of_ancient_rome.htm
http://www.globalissues.org/article/75/world-military-spending
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/09/09/how-big-should-the-defense-budget-be/dont-perpetuate-a-culture-of-endless-money
Contacting an expert:
Dear Ms. Bilmes,
I apologize for the past e-mail, I didn't mean to send that draft. Hello, I am a student at Nagel Middle School in Cincinnati, Ohio. In our social studies class we are learning about the problems of ancient Rome. Our goal is to try and fix one of their problems. My assignment was military spending. I was hoping you could assist me by teaching me about modern issues and solutions we face today to help me solve the problems of ancient Rome.
1. Are there certain percents of our taxes that go to specific military issues?
2. What actions is the government taking to help cut back on military costs?
3. Does military spending have a large impact on today's economy?
Any further knowledge you have on the subject that you may think I will find helpful would be great. Thank you so much for your time. I hope to hear back from you soon!
Reply:
Dear Olivia,
Unfortunately I do not have time to help you, but you may find the following article by the former US Comptroller General of interest. Good luck with your research.
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/f98a1f4e-4fef-11dc-a6b0-0000779fd2ac.html#axzz2IBm4hh4l
You may also find some relevant material on my website.
Professor Linda J. Bilmes
Daniel Patrick Moynihan Senior Lecturer in Public Policy
Harvard Kennedy School
79 John F Kennedy Street B-402
Harvard University
Cambridge MA 02138
617-495-4753 (Phone)
Personal Website: http://ksghome.harvard.edu/~lbilmes/index.htm
Blog: http://www.ThreeTrillionDollarWar.org
Assistant: Julie DeBenedictis
617-495-8660
Julie_DeBenedictis@hks.harvard.edu